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Policies / Handbooks

The new FMLA: 9 changes you must comply with

12/02/2008

For the past 15 years, complying with the FMLA has been complex, but at least the law stayed the same. On Jan. 16, that all changed. That’s the day the first major overhaul of the FMLA took effect. Here are the details.

How can we make the season bright—without exposing ourselves to legal liability?

11/25/2008

Q. Our employees have proposed that the company sponsor a holiday party at a local restaurant. Although we want our employees to have a good time, aren’t we exposing ourselves to potential liability?

What should we do? An employee says one of our clients harassed her

11/25/2008

Q. An employee recently complained that one of our clients sexually harassed her. May we be held liable for the client’s action?

N.J. state troopers seek a seat at the bar

11/25/2008

Two organizations that represent New Jersey state troopers have filed a lawsuit against Attorney General Anne Milgram, seeking the right to moonlight as lawyers.

ADA Amendments Act means changes for employees, employers

11/25/2008

Sweeping new ADA legislation passed earlier this fall will completely change the way employers manage disabled employees. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 overruled four U.S. Supreme Court decisions defining disabilities under the ADA, thereby broadening the definition of disability …

Pregnancy—an ‘off-duty injury’—prompts Detroit Police suit

11/20/2008

Five Detroit police officers have filed a lawsuit challenging a department policy that forces pregnant officers to go on sick leave as soon as their supervisors find out they’re pregnant.

The 7 most important steps for minimizing layoff risks

11/18/2008

Many employers looking for ways to deal with the financial hardships of today’s tough economy are considering reductions in force (RIFs), layoffs and other forms of organizational restructuring. But how you conduct a RIF may spell the difference between a fresh start for the company and a nightmare of litigation …

Do you have specific rules for calling in sick? They may be contractual

11/12/2008

Employers sometimes come up with some very specific rules for when and how employees must call in to let their bosses know they will miss work. Sometimes those rules become contracts …

Breaking no-alcohol rule may mean no jobless benefits

11/12/2008

If you have a zero-tolerance policy for employees drinking alcohol on duty, employees who are fired for breaking the rules may be denied unemployment compensation benefits—even if the employee wasn’t impaired enough to be criminally charged with drunken driving.

Workplace violence: Hope for the best but plan for the worst

11/12/2008

It’s important for employers to plan to prevent workplace violence and respond to it if prevention fails. While every employer needs a customized plan that fits its particular workplace, good violence-prevention strategies share common elements.